"Yours, very respectfully,
"—— ——."
I hurried through my business for the remainder of the day, and a little before half past eight was duly at the house on Madison Square.
Being admitted, I called for Mr. Hale. He came to see me in the hall; looked at me mysteriously; was very civil and polite, but coldly so. I said, "I left a note here to-day for you."
"Yes, sir, I received a curious note, and don't know what to make of it. Please explain your business. We are strangers, and you will excuse me that I am always cautious with strangers, whoever they may be."
He had evidently taken the lesson of the night before to heart.
"But," asked I, "are Mr. and Mrs. Clemens ready to receive me, as I requested in my note?"
"Yes, and Mrs. Hale too."
"Can I see them all immediately, for I've but little time to spare?"
"Yes, sir," said he, quite rigidly; "follow me, sir."